How to Get Around China as a Tourist

For most trips, we'd keep it simple: metro, shared bikes and ride-hailing in cities, and high-speed rail between cities.

Here's how we'd choose.

Metro

For longer trips across a city, we'd usually take the metro.

Don't worry about learning the ticket system before you come. You can buy a ticket at the station, and many cities also have mobile payment or QR options.

The setup varies from city to city. Just use what's available when you get there.

Shared bikes

For short trips, shared bikes are great — especially when your destination is a little too far to walk from the metro.

And you don't need to remember which bike works with which app.

Scan the QR code and try Alipay or WeChat. If one doesn't work, try the other and follow the prompts.

When you're done, the app will usually show you where you can leave the bike. Follow the parking prompt and end the ride.

No need to learn any of this before your trip.

Ride-hailing

Ride-hailing is what we'd use with luggage, for an awkward metro route, or when we're simply tired and want to go door to door.

Alipay or WeChat can get you started. You don't need to practise booking a ride before you come.

There is one thing worth remembering, though.

Turn on your phone's location and, if you can, step outside to somewhere open where the GPS is more accurate and a driver can safely stop.

At airports and railway stations, find the designated ride-hailing pickup area first. Then request your car.

Try not to book while you're deep inside a mall, station or large building.

It's a small thing, but it can save you a frustrating phone call when the driver is there, you're there — and neither of you can find the other.

For trips between major cities, we'd usually check high-speed rail first.

For a very long journey, compare it with flying. Sometimes the train makes more sense. Sometimes the flight does.

China Railway's official booking service is 12306, and foreign travelers can book using a valid passport.

For an important journey, we'd rather have the ticket booked before the trip than deal with it at the station.

Big Chinese cities often have several railway stations.

Before you leave your hotel, check the full station name on your booking.

“Shanghai” and “Shanghai Hongqiao” are different stations. Going to the wrong one can mean missing your train.

If your train is part of a trip planned with ChinaGo EXPLORE, we can help you double-check the station and where you need to go.

For an e-ticket, you don't need to print an itinerary just to board — but you do need the travel document linked to your booking.

And give yourself some time at the station.

High-speed railway stations aren't like metro stations. You'll go through security and identity checks, then find your waiting area and boarding gate.

This isn't the journey to arrive for at the last minute.

After a long flight, we'd make this decision based on how we're feeling — not on what sounds like the “best” transport.

You don't need a private pickup just because you're in China. If the metro is easy for your hotel and you're happy to use it, take the metro.

The point is to make your arrival easier, not more complicated.

You don't need to arrive in China knowing how every ticket machine, transport app or shared bike works.

Get the important things ready before you leave.

The rest? You'll figure it out as you go.